Natives of Puerto Rico must replace birth certificates

The Puerto Rican government is requiring all natives of the U.S. territory to get a new certified copy of their birth certificate.

The Puerto Rican government is requiring all natives of the U.S. territory to get a new certified copy of their birth certificate. WHYY’s Aaron Moselle reports. [audio:100309AMBIRTH.mp3]

The law states all birth certificates certified in Puerto Rico will be null as of July 1 and must be replaced.

The measure is meant to help block criminals from committing identity theft.

Amanda Bergson-Shilcock is with The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians. She says filing for a new birth certificate is especially important for Puerto Ricans living outside the island territory.

Bergson-Shilcock:
A birth certificate is valid work authorization in the U.S. in combination with other documents. So if you were born in Puerto Rico and you’re job hunting right now, having the ability to prove that you are a U.S. citizen is really important.

Bergson-Shilcock says while birth certificates should be replaced by the July deadline, the Puerto Rican government has not finished designing the new document. When it does, it’ll make an announcement calling for applicants.